Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Many people believe that mental illness is quite rare, but this is not true. It is estimated that in any given year about 54 million Americans suffer from a mental disorder or mental illness. Worldwide, 1 in 4 people are affected by mental illness at some point in their life. Many cases of mental illness can be completely treated with medicine, psychotherapy or a combination of both. So if you feel like you have signs of mental illness, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Understanding mental illness

1. 

   Understand that mental illness is not your fault. Society is often prejudiced against mental illness and people with mental illness, and it is easy to believe that the cause of the problem is due to not trying hard. This is not true. If you do have a mental illness it is the result of an illness and not related to personal mistakes or anything else. A good doctor or mental health professional never makes you feel guilty about having an illness, nor does the people around you and yourself.

2. 

   
   
   Understand biological factors at risk for mental illness. Mental illness is not caused by a single cause, but many biological factors alter brain chemistry and cause hormonal imbalances.
   • Genetic structure. Some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, are closely related to genetic genes. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may also be susceptible to mental illness simply because of your genetic makeup.
   • Physiological injury. Injuries, such as severe head trauma, bacterial, viral or toxic infections during fetal development, can lead to mental illness. Illegal substance and / or alcohol abuse can also cause mental illness or make it worse.
   • Chronic diseases. Chronic illnesses such as cancer and other serious long-term illnesses can increase your risk of developing mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.

3. 

   
   
   Understand the environmental factors at risk for mental illness. Certain mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are closely related to your personal circumstances and feelings of well-being. Disorders and fluctuations can also cause mental illness or make it worse.
   • Difficult experiences in life. Strong emotional or distressing situations in your life can lead to mental illness. These situations can be short-lived, such as the loss of a loved one, or a prolonged history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Experiences in war or emergency situations can also cause mental illness.
   • Stress. Stress can aggravate an existing mental illness and cause mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. Conflict at home, financial difficulties and anxiety at work can all cause stress.
   • Lonely. Lack of strong support networks, few friends, and lack of healthy relationships can lead to mental illness or worsen illness.

4. 

   
   
   Be aware of warning signs and psychiatric symptoms. Some mental illnesses are congenital, but in others they develop gradually over time or appear quite suddenly. The following symptoms can be warning signs of mental illness:
   • Feeling sad or irritable
   • Feelings of confusion or disorientation
   • Feelings of lethargy or loss of interest
   • Excessive anxiety and expression of anger / hatred / violence
   • Feelings of fear / paranoia
   • Difficulty controlling your emotions
   • Difficulty concentrating
   • Hard to fulfill responsibility
   • Separate yourself or alienate yourself from society
   • There are problems with sleep
   • Delusions and / or hallucinations
   • There are ideas that are strange, great or far from reality
   • Substance or alcohol abuse
   • Significant changes in eating habits or libido
   • Have suicidal thoughts or plans

5. 

   Be aware of warning signs and physical symptoms. Sometimes, physical symptoms can signal a mental illness. If you have the following symptoms persistently, seek medical help. Symptoms of warning include:
   • Tired
   • Back and / or chest pain
   • Heart beat fast
   • Dry mouth
   • Have digestive problems
   • Headache
   • Sweating
   • Many changes in weight
   • Dizziness
   • Significant changes in sleep patterns

6. 

   Determine the severity of your symptoms. Many of these symptoms come from a response to everyday events, so they are not necessarily signs of mental illness. However, you should be aware if symptoms persist, and more importantly, if they negatively affect your ability to function in everyday life. You should never hesitate to seek medical help. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Seeking expert help

1. 

   Understand treatment resources. There are many trained professionals in the mental health field, and while their roles often overlap, each has its own unique characteristics.
   • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed a residency training program in psychiatry. They are the most highly trained psychiatrist, and the best person who can help you take prescription medications. Psychiatrists are also trained in diagnosing mental illness, including serious illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
   • Clinical psychologists have a doctorate in psychology and generally have completed an internship or residency program in psychiatric facilities. They can diagnose mental illnesses, run mental tests and heal them with psychotherapy. Usually, they are not allowed to prescribe drugs unless they have special permission.
   • Mental health nurses must have a minimum of a master's degree and have training in mental health specialties. They can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medications. In some cases, they can also be cured with psychotherapy. Depending on the region, they may be required to work in coordination with a psychiatrist.
   • A social worker must have at least a master's degree in the field of social work. Certified social workers who have completed internship or internship in mental health facilities and are trained in mental health counseling. They can conduct therapy but are not allowed to prescribe medications. They are often very familiar with resources and support systems.
   • Counselors have a graduate degree in counseling and have typically completed an internship program in psychiatric facilities. They often focus on specific psychiatric issues such as addiction or substance abuse, but they can also provide counseling on other mental health issues. Counselors are not authorized to prescribe medications, and in many places they are not authorized to diagnose mental illness.
   • Internal medicine doctors usually do not have a degree in mental health training, but they can prescribe medications and help you manage your overall health.

2. 

   See a doctor. Some mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, can often be effectively treated with prescription medications that your own doctor may prescribe. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and concerns.
   • Your doctor may also refer you to see a psychiatrist in your area.
   • In the United States, to apply for social security benefits for mentally disabled people and is protected by US disability law, you need an official mental health diagnosis.

3. 

   Contact your health insurance company. If you live in the United States, you generally have to pay health insurance to be covered for the treatment. Call your insurance company and inquire about contact information for a mental health professional who will accept your plan.
   • Be sure to clarify any specific requirements about your insurance plan. For example, you may need to get a referral from your primary health care provider to see a psychiatrist, or there may be restrictions on treatment.
   • If you don't have health insurance, find a community mental health center in your area. These centers often provide free or very low cost treatments for people with low or no insurance incomes. Some major universities and medical schools also have low-cost clinics.

4. 

   Make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on the region, it may take several days to months for an appointment with a mental health professional, so make an appointment as soon as possible. You can request to join a waiting list or cancel list if available to increase your chances of being scheduled earlier.
   • If you are having suicidal thoughts or plans, get help right away. In the US, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also contact emergency services by calling 911 (or local number). In Vietnam, please call the hotline number 1800 1567 (child care and counseling service provided by the Department of Child Protection and Care - Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs with the support of the organization. Plan in Vietnam) for help.

5. 

   Make a question. Do not hesitate to ask a therapist. Ask them when you don't understand or need to clarify something. You should ask about the possible treatment options, such as what methods and timing are available and what medications may be needed.
   • You should also ask what you need to do to support the treatment. Although you cannot treat your mental illness on your own, there are things you can do to improve your mental health; Talk to your doctor about this.

6. 

   Consider your interactions with your doctor. Your relationship with your therapist should feel safe, friendly, and comfortable. You will probably feel very vulnerable when you first visit the clinic. The therapist may ask uncomfortable questions or ask you to think about the things that make you uncomfortable, but they should still help calm you, feel valued, and welcome.
   • If you feel uncomfortable after a few sessions, you can change it. Don't forget that you may have to work with the therapist for a long time, so they have to make you feel like they're completely on your side.
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Part 3 of 3: Dealing with Mental Illness

1. 

   Avoid judging yourself. People with mental illness, especially those with depression and anxiety, often feel like they can just "quit the habit". However, just as you cannot expect to “break the habit” of diabetes or heart disease, you should not judge yourself because you are struggling with mental illness.

2. 

   Establish a support network. A network of people who accept and support you is essential for everyone, and even more important if you are dealing with mental illness. Start with friends and family members. There are also many other support groups. Look for support groups in the community or online.
   • A good place to start building your support network is the National Coalition to Help People With Mental Illness (NAMI).They have a helpline for advice and advice on resources.

3. 

   Consider meditating or practicing mindfulness. While meditation cannot replace the help of a therapist and / or medication, it can help you manage symptoms of certain mental illnesses, especially those related to addiction and addiction. substance abuse. Practicing mindfulness and meditation with emphasis on present and acceptance can therefore reduce stress.
   • It might help to get guidance from an expert in meditation at first before continuing to practice on your own.
   • NAMI, The Mayo Clinic, and howtomeditate.org all provide advice related to meditation practice.

4. 

   Write diary. A journal to record your thoughts and experiences can be of great help. Writing down any negative or anxious thoughts can help you stop focusing on them. Keeping track of which factors are leading to certain experiences or symptoms will help the therapist treat you most effectively. This also allows you to safely express your emotions.

5. 

   Maintain a good diet and exercise routine. While mental illness cannot be prevented, diet and exercise habits can help you manage your symptoms. Keeping a regular routine and getting enough sleep is especially important if you have a serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
   • You may need to pay special attention to your diet and exercise habits if you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, anorexia, or binge eating. Consult with an expert to make sure you are maintaining healthy habits.

6. 

   Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a calming agent and can greatly affect your feelings of well-being. If you're having trouble with illnesses like depression or substance abuse, perhaps alcohol is something you should absolutely avoid. If you do drink alcohol, drink in moderation: usually 2 glasses of wine, 2 glasses of beer or 2 glasses of liqueur a day for women and 3 glasses of wine a day for men.
   • Absolutely do not drink alcohol while taking some prescription drugs. Talk to the doctor prescribing the medicine for you about how to use it.
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Advice

• If possible, ask a friend or relative to accompany you during your first session. They will calm you down and support you.
• Choice of treatments and lifestyles based on scientific and medical evidence, with the help of experts. Many “home” mental illness therapies have little or no effect, and some actually make it worse.
• Society is often prejudiced against mental illness. If you don't feel comfortable sharing information about your illness with someone, don't do it. Find people who accept, support and care about you.
• If you have a friend or loved one with a mental illness, don't judge them or tell them "just try harder." Give them love, acceptance, and support.

Warning

• If you have suicidal thoughts or plans, get help right away.
• Many mental illnesses will get worse if left untreated. You need to get help as soon as possible.
• Never try to get treatment without specialist help. This can actually make the illness worse and cause serious harm to you or others.